Menu
08/05/2024
Other News In Brief
UUP Criticises SDLP Over Opposition Motion
The UUP have accused the SDLP of attempting to create division in the Assembly, over language contained in an Opposition Motion.
Stating that the motion contained language that "could not be supported by many MLA's", MLA Tom Elliott said: "I'm sure there was not one member in the chamber today who does not fully support condemnation of both the Hamas atrocities of October 7th and the thousands of lives lost in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
"This motion was an opportunity to bring the chamber together in such condemnation, allowing for a cross-party call for both a ceasefire and an immediate release of hostages, while supporting the position of the Assembly of the region working towards a two-state solution.
"Instead we saw a motion which focused on attacking Israel, calling on the UK government to cease arms sales and using emotive terms such as genocide rather than recognising that every life lost is one too many.
"My party submitted an amendment to this motion, which was not selected for debate, focusing on the atrocities, both in Israel and Gaza, over the last 8 months. I believe that, had the opposition motion been worded in a way which concentrated on the abhorrent human suffering, on ending the killing and understanding the complex nature of Middle East politics, it would have received the support of the full Assembly."
Alliance Welcomes Updated Terms For Summer Community Diversionary Fund
The Alliance Party has welcomed agreement from the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee over updated terms for Belfast City Council's Summer Community Diversionary Fund (SCDF) for 2024.
Lisnasharragh Councillor Michael Long has been consistently calling for more effective regulation of this diversionary fund, aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour around bonfires, for example.
The agreed criteria include, for example, that only events scheduled for July and August are eligible for funding, that only applications which reach a certain eligibility threshold can be considered, and that an independent evaluation must be undertaken of any events which do receive the funding.
Cllr Long has said: "Alliance has continually pushed for more openness and transparency at Belfast City Council, especially when it comes to ratepayers' money and how it is used. With that in mind, coming together with other Councillors to approve these terms is incredibly welcome.
"During the discussion over the last number of months about how to improve the effectiveness of this fund, we as a party have put forward a number of proposals, including the need for independent evaluation, and reiterating the fact that applications which didn't meet the threshold should not be funded.
"We have also raised what we felt to be an important issue, that different types of local community celebrations and events may also be eligible for funding, which we're glad to see recognised and reflected in the agreed terms.
"Council should always aim to represent all sections of society, and all the diverse identities within it. We were especially glad to work together with and take insight from the other parties on this, aiming to devise a high-quality scheme that works for everybody, and we will continue to do so going forward."
DUP Calls For Reassurance And Support Following MOD Data Breach
The DUP has called for reassurance and practical support for any current or former member of the Armed Forces whose personal details may have been compromised in a recent MOD data breach.
DUP Leader and East Belfast MP, Gavin Robinson, is a member of the Defence Select Committee in Parliament.
He said: "The revelation that personal information relating to current and former members of the Armed Forces has been accessed is of real concern. The PSNI data breach highlighted the issues which particularly impact upon people from Northern Ireland given the particular security concerns we face.
"It is important that the MoD can identify exactly how many individuals are affected and work with them to provide not just reassurance, but practical support. As with the PSNI data leak, those concerns will exist not just in the short-term, but over an extended period of time.
"Whilst we do not know the circumstances surrounding this incident, the threat from cyber-attacks, whether from hostile states or criminal gangs is significant for institutions both in the public and private sector. It is important as a nation that we are equipped to combat that threat."
The UUP have accused the SDLP of attempting to create division in the Assembly, over language contained in an Opposition Motion.
Stating that the motion contained language that "could not be supported by many MLA's", MLA Tom Elliott said: "I'm sure there was not one member in the chamber today who does not fully support condemnation of both the Hamas atrocities of October 7th and the thousands of lives lost in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
"This motion was an opportunity to bring the chamber together in such condemnation, allowing for a cross-party call for both a ceasefire and an immediate release of hostages, while supporting the position of the Assembly of the region working towards a two-state solution.
"Instead we saw a motion which focused on attacking Israel, calling on the UK government to cease arms sales and using emotive terms such as genocide rather than recognising that every life lost is one too many.
"My party submitted an amendment to this motion, which was not selected for debate, focusing on the atrocities, both in Israel and Gaza, over the last 8 months. I believe that, had the opposition motion been worded in a way which concentrated on the abhorrent human suffering, on ending the killing and understanding the complex nature of Middle East politics, it would have received the support of the full Assembly."
Alliance Welcomes Updated Terms For Summer Community Diversionary Fund
The Alliance Party has welcomed agreement from the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee over updated terms for Belfast City Council's Summer Community Diversionary Fund (SCDF) for 2024.
Lisnasharragh Councillor Michael Long has been consistently calling for more effective regulation of this diversionary fund, aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour around bonfires, for example.
The agreed criteria include, for example, that only events scheduled for July and August are eligible for funding, that only applications which reach a certain eligibility threshold can be considered, and that an independent evaluation must be undertaken of any events which do receive the funding.
Cllr Long has said: "Alliance has continually pushed for more openness and transparency at Belfast City Council, especially when it comes to ratepayers' money and how it is used. With that in mind, coming together with other Councillors to approve these terms is incredibly welcome.
"During the discussion over the last number of months about how to improve the effectiveness of this fund, we as a party have put forward a number of proposals, including the need for independent evaluation, and reiterating the fact that applications which didn't meet the threshold should not be funded.
"We have also raised what we felt to be an important issue, that different types of local community celebrations and events may also be eligible for funding, which we're glad to see recognised and reflected in the agreed terms.
"Council should always aim to represent all sections of society, and all the diverse identities within it. We were especially glad to work together with and take insight from the other parties on this, aiming to devise a high-quality scheme that works for everybody, and we will continue to do so going forward."
DUP Calls For Reassurance And Support Following MOD Data Breach
The DUP has called for reassurance and practical support for any current or former member of the Armed Forces whose personal details may have been compromised in a recent MOD data breach.
DUP Leader and East Belfast MP, Gavin Robinson, is a member of the Defence Select Committee in Parliament.
He said: "The revelation that personal information relating to current and former members of the Armed Forces has been accessed is of real concern. The PSNI data breach highlighted the issues which particularly impact upon people from Northern Ireland given the particular security concerns we face.
"It is important that the MoD can identify exactly how many individuals are affected and work with them to provide not just reassurance, but practical support. As with the PSNI data leak, those concerns will exist not just in the short-term, but over an extended period of time.
"Whilst we do not know the circumstances surrounding this incident, the threat from cyber-attacks, whether from hostile states or criminal gangs is significant for institutions both in the public and private sector. It is important as a nation that we are equipped to combat that threat."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
15 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
15 November 2024
Man Extradited From US Over Historical Child Sex Abuse
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
Man Extradited From US Over Historical Child Sex Abuse
A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
18 April 2002
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
